A Guide To Living Cheap Includes How To Save Money On Food By Making Leftover Recipes

Shoppers usually spend money on unnecessary items each trip they make to a grocery store. To avoid this, shop as infrequently as possible. Never make a trip to shop for one or two items. Keep a running list of needed items in a convenient place to add to when something comes to mind. It will help to save money on food (and gas) by following a list and getting everything in one trip. To get by from one shopping trip to another, it helps to have extra items in the pantry like dry milk, peanut butter and some canned goods. Bread can be bought at the day old stores very cheaply and stored in the freezer for emergency use. Knowing how to make homemade bread and fresh biscuits is also a good idea to extend shopping trips. Canned fruits and vegetables from the pantry can be used to replace fresh produce.

When trying to save money on food, it is important to “comparison shop”. Some stores may have good prices on meat while another may have good prices on can goods. It may be necessary to shop at different stores. Get to know the local groceries and the employees. Being friendly may mean getting first hand tips on sales. Never shop without a list and stick to it. If normally used products are on sale, this is an exception; now is the time to fill the pantry. Always check the quantity in packages and cans. Sometime larger ones can be purchased as cheap as a smaller one. If packages of flour, pastas or grains are found on sale, freeze these for two weeks before storing to prevent a bug infestation.

It is best to avoid certain isles in the grocery store to save money on food by preventing the temptation of buying. These are the junk food isles; snacks, sodas, prepared foods, frozen dinners, desserts, etc. All these items are usually much more expensive and have fewer nutrients. Look for good buys on fresh apples or other fruit for a snack. Pop corn or make a batch of homemade cookies. Get the family to drink more water and try adding a fresh piece of lemon or lime in the glass. This is much cheaper than sodas.

If land is available, try growing a garden. A small back yard garden can feed a family. Another choice might be to plant edible landscape or at least the herbs and salad greens. Consider all options when trying to save money on food. Investing in a freezer and canning equipment might mean great savings over time. This would allow purchases of fruits and vegetables to be made in season when prices are lower. Visit the farmers markets in the area and look for good prices. Try bargaining with the venders for better prices. Show up on the last opening day and close to closing time. This is usually the best time for the best prices. They will often sell for less rather than packing up and moving. Sometimes gardeners will sell from their abundance or will let others come in and pick the excess. Be mindful of saving money on food and don’t be too proud to ask for better prices.

Learning how to save money on food also teaches a complete cheap lifestyle in the kitchen. Using plastic food bags is a more expensive way of storing than using reusable containers; better yet milk cartons and the likes are free. Rotating items in the pantry and cabinets prevent foods from becoming outdated and going bad. Rather than letting each person serve themselves, spoon small helpings on each plate, especially the children. It is better to serve additional helpings than to throw away what is not eaten. Immediately after a meal, place small servings of leftover meat and vegetables in the freezer to be added to soups and stews.

By: Frances Moore and Kelly Moore

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Chef and author, Frances Moore and daughter Kelly are the creators of www.painlesscooking.com . The purpose of the website is to give free recipes and valuable information about budget cooking. Go here for more information on living cheap www.painlesscooking.com/budget-cooking.html